[Objective] This study aimed to verify whether placental extract is effective in improving menopausal symptoms through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

[Methods] Randomized controlled trials that administered placental extract to humans and analyzed the improvement of menopausal symptoms were searched across multiple electronic databases (Ichushi, CiNii, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase). Studies meeting the selection criteria were evaluated for quality using the Modified Jadad scale, followed by a meta-analysis regarding the improvement of menopausal symptoms and changes in the secretion of hormones related to those symptoms using Easy R.

[Results] Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. From the overall assessment of menopausal symptoms and the evaluation of fatigue, it was revealed that placental extract showed an improvement effect. Additionally, while placental extract did not promote the secretion of estrogen, it decreased the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone.

[Conclusion] It was confirmed that placental extract has a certain effect on improving menopausal symptoms. Since it does not promote the secretion of estrogen, it is considered that placental extract is not an alternative therapy for hormone replacement therapy with female hormones, but rather an adjunctive therapy aimed at symptom improvement.

[Objective] It has been reported that experiences interacting with infants foster empathy and parental readiness in male and female adolescents. However, it remains unclear whether these experiences enhance children's parental readiness and prosocial behavior. This study focused on interactions with infants and examined the factors related to parental readiness and prosocial behavior among elementary and junior high school students.

[Methods] A self-administered questionnaire survey was administered to elementary and middle school students using the following scales: grade, sex, family members they had lived with, positive feelings toward the infant, depth of experience interacting with infants, number of times they had participated in volunteer work, prosocial behavior scale, and parental readiness scale. After performing a t-test or one-way ANOVA, the related factors were examined using multiple regression analysis.

[Results] The analysis included 249 of the 265 respondents (recovery rate: 94.0%) and 232 respondents with no omissions (valid response rate: 87.5%). There were no significant differences in either scale scores by grade level, sex, or family members who had lived together, with significantly higher scores for those who had more interactions with infants. Liking infants was associated with parental readiness, and participation in multiple volunteer activities was associated with prosocial behavior.

[Conclusion] It is suggested that the depth of experience interacting with infants may be related to parental readiness and prosocial behavior. We believe that opportunities to interact with infants through volunteer activities and hands-on learning can enhance parental readiness and prosocial behaviors.

[Objective] Parents' lifestyles influence their children's lifestyles. However, few studies have investigated how parents' dietary choices affect their children's health. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between parents' dietary choices for their children and their children's health status, while suggesting measures to prevent lifestyle-related diseases in children.

[Methods] The participants included 168 elementary and junior high school students and their guardians from three municipalities in Prefecture A. The survey period was from April to May of 2022 and from April to May of 2023. Data collection involved calculating the children's obesity levels and measuring systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the upper limbs using an automatic blood pressure monitor. Blood biochemical tests analyzed parameters related to anemia, immune function, liver function, lipid metabolism, and glucose metabolism. Parents' dietary considerations were collected using a self-administered questionnaire.

[Results] Children's health statuses were categorized as "normal" and "abnormal" based on the measurement parameters's normal range. Among the group with findings, there is a significant difference associated with hematocrit levels and parents' dietary choices, such as "I try not to eat late at dinner time," 5.0 (4.0-5.0) points (p=0.036) and blood- pressure-related decisions, such as "I try not to eat too much salt" 4.0 (3.5-5.0) points (p=0.023) and "I try to take a lot of calcium." 4.0 (3.0-4.0) points (p=0.026).

[Conclusion] Rather than detailed dietary considerations, simple information such as "I try to make menus with nutritional balance in mind" and "I try not to eat late at dinner time" proved more feasible for parents to implement and for children to follow. Addressing children's diets can also improve parental health. Therefore, creating opportunities for parents and children to adopt preventive lifestyle habits together is crucial.

[Objective] This study aimed to evaluate the height, weight, body fat percentage, and bone density of elementary and junior high school students to identify the differences that arise in their responses to exercise habits. Additionally, the relationship between the exercise habits of parents and their children was examined.

[Methods] The research participants were students, ranging from the fifth grade of elementary school to the third grade of junior high, along with their parents, across three municipalities in the Aomori Prefecture. In 2022 and 2023, parents and their children eligible for health checkups were requested to complete a survey on their lifestyle and dietary patterns. A total of 155 pairs of children and their parents were included, while others were excluded owing to the lack of obtainable responses. The children underwent body composition and bone density assessments. Information on factors such as age, sex, height, exercise habits, and exercise duration was collected from both children and parents through a self-administered questionnaire.

[Results] The survey results indicated that the children's height and weight exceeded the national and Aomori Prefecture averages, with normal body fat percentages. There were no significant differences in height, weight, body fat percentage or bone density, according to exercise habits, for both boys and girls. Furthermore, no relationship was found between the exercise habits of parents and their children.

[Conclusion] There were no significant differences in height, weight, body fat percentage, and bone density both elementary and junior high school students based on their exercise habits. Similarly, no relationship was observed between the exercise habits of parents and their children. This may be attributed to the adolescent age group, as they tend to exercise with peers in club activities rather than with their parents, which was common before adolescence.

[Objective] To compare the competencies required for a bachelor's degree in nursing between Japan and Vietnam, as well as to compare the curriculum of bachelor's degree courses and career paths after graduation between Nam Dinh University of Nursing (NDUN) and Aomori University of Health and Welfare (AUHW), thereby considering future collaboration.

[Methods] A literature review and interviews were conducted during a visit to NDUN.

[Results] The competencies for a bachelor's degree in nursing in Vietnam were formulated based on the assumption of international migration of nurses, and the content was largely similar to that proposed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan. The nursing curriculum at NDNU was more comprehensive in terms of subjects covering the country's policy background and infection control than, that at AUHW. A simulation center was established to provide education on nursing practices that comprehensively addressed the needs of individual patients. Most graduates were working as nurses capable of providing advanced nursing techniques in medical settings in the country's hospitals, and approximately 20% were employed as care staff at elderly facilities in Japan and Germany.

[Conclusion] Vietnam is undergoing rapid aging, and the disease structure has been shifting from infectious disease to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This reflects the path that Japan has traversed. Therefore, the AUHW may be able to contribute to the practice of nursing education, looking ahead to the future in Vietnam, by enhancing its collaboration with the NDUN on nursing education and research related to areas such as NCDs management, cancer care, and geriatric nursing.